Shloka 183
Vāg-yuddha and Nimitta-darśana before the Gadāyuddha
Verbal Duel and Omens
बिश्रद्रूपं महाराज सदृशं हि गरुत्मत: । फिर तो भीमसेन कवच पहनकर बहुत बड़ी नोकवाली गदा हाथमें ले गरुडका-सा रूप धारण करके युद्धके लिये तैयार हो गये
sañjaya uvāca | viśradrūpaṃ mahārāja sadṛśaṃ hi garutmataḥ |
विश्रद्रूपं महाराज सदृशं हि गरुत्मतः। ततः भीमसेनः कवचं बद्ध्वा महान्तं तीक्ष्णाग्रां गदां करे गृहीत्वा गरुडसदृशं रूपं धारयन् युद्धाय समुपस्थितः॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of kṣatriya resolve: in a righteous war narrative, taking up arms and adopting a fearsome, radiant bearing symbolizes readiness to perform one’s duty despite danger and sorrow.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that a warrior has assumed a striking, Garuḍa-like appearance—an image of speed, power, and intimidation—signaling immediate preparation for combat.